F430 Spider Convertible top issues

Hey all. I have two minor issues related to the convertible top on my 2006 f430 spider. They’re minor NOW which is why I’m trying to address them before they possibly become a bigger issue.

Sorry in advance for the challenge of describing these issues.

1. There is a long interior panel/trim piece that covers the latching mechanisms that locks the top into place when the top is up as seen here: https://www.ricambiamerica.com/car-diagrams/ferrari/v6-v8/430-group/f430-spider/chassis-gaskets-mouldings.html . This is a plastic trim piece that seems to simply clip on to hide all the ugly hydraulics and wiring in that part of the convertible top (this is the part that’s right above the sun visors and covers the stuff that latches to the windshield frame. So mine is sort of loose, and sometimes it pops out. So far, I just push it back in… which seems like a simple “clips are getting old” problem… but I’d rather just order a replacement to solve the issue. However, no one seems to have this part. Anyone else have this problem? If so, have you solved it someway? My lazy idea is simply put some super strong Velcro pieces inside that panel to serve as “new clips,” but seeing if anyone else has a fix.

I’ve tried to circle the part here in the photo below.

2. I cannot open the engine trunk lid when the top is down because the convertible top seems to overhang about a centimeter into the gap where the engine trunk lid hinges. So in other words, the convertible top isn’t perfectly seated in its compartment when the top is down - it’s in there good enough that everything is seated well, but it’s sort of an annoying quirk that anytime I want to open the back I have to put the top up first.

I circled the gap where the back can’t open because the top blocks it ever so slightly when the top is down.

Anyway, I hope any of that made sense. These are both livable “issues,” but I’d like to nip them in the bud in anyway as I try to keep things in the best condition possible. I’m sure all of this goes away if I get a new top, or worse, an entirely new capote - but I’m looking to see if I can improve it for a while before getting into those expenses.
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Can you take pics of a side view, each side, with the top up. Im wandering if you have wear marks along the bottom seam. That will tell me of one reason the tops may not be seating as it should

 

Also. does that seam of the capote cover sit nice and even/flush when top is closed. I can't tell in that pic

 

I’ll be getting the car back Friday from service and I’ll take some pics, all my pics are with the top down lol.

I can say that the top is actually likely “tighter” than it should be, because the sides that extend to the back sort of lift a little bit, like the fabric top is holding onto the edges for dear life. I’m in Florida, as was the previous owner… so I suspect the sun shrank it a bit and probably wore down some of the fabric. But part of me also wonders if the two problems are related - if that cross bar trim piece not staying snapped in also makes it so the top doesn’t complete sit down in the bucket as it should.

 

Oh, I think I just answered this while you were asking it. Ha. The cloth top looks like it’s being pulled up a little bit on each side, like it’s shrinking.

 

OK when you get the car back take more pictures and post them.. I do know a couple of things but there's a couple other guys that know these tops very well. One thing I can tell you is when the top is closing if that front bar slams down it will break that piece or cause it to pop off. From what I've read that's an indication your straps are wearing. Pictures are worth a 1000 words.

 

I have read about the “straps wearing.” Are they replaceable parts without replacing the entire top?

 

Short answer yes. There's a couple videos on YouTube about it and also there is a member East Memphis who does a great job explaining

 

I’ll def get to pictures soon. But for now, I’ll just keep assuming that when timing allows, I’ll likely order the top and get to a reputable convertible top shop to install. The top is otherwise totally functional… the only issues are the cross bar sometimes coming unclipped (which I then press to snap back in) and the back not opening all the way with the top down. Both seem like small things I can live with until I’m ready to drop a few thousand bucks and part with the car for a few days. I’ll likely just keep a close eye on it and if I sense it’s getting worse, then I’ll just have to do the fix sooner than later.

I’ll also try my temporary fix for the trim piece of sticking some Velcro hooks inside of it to give it some extra security. The way I see it, the top is there for parking security and as an umbrella if it rains. Otherwise, I’m yet to have a day where I’m not driving with the top down.

I appreciate your feedback, simply put, it’s a 16 year old top that needs replacing soon.

 

I think video would be better to describe what you are asking, at least for me. Let me know if you need help posting a video.

 

just becarefull that crossbar doesn't crack on you. I put alittle pressure on it as it's coming down

 

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/fixing-convertible-top-bar-elastic.627798/page-3#post-148560115